The article focuses on the rules for the operation of air services in the EU. It presents the process of liberalisation of the air services sector and analyses the particular requirements associated with the undertaking of such activities. Firstly, the author focuses on the conditions for obtaining an operating license for air transport services which are common in all Member States. Then, legal acts designed to ensure equal access to airports for all air carriers are analysed. In the conclusion, the author evaluates the introduced solutions.